White-quilled Rock Pigeon
NameWhite-quilled Rock Pigeon
Common NameWhite-quilled Rock Pigeon
Scientific NamePetrophassa albipennis
FamilyColumbidae
Wingspan (cm)42
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)150
Plumage DetailsThe plumage is predominantly dark reddish-brown to grey-brown, finely barred with black across the body. The head and neck often display an iridescent purplish-blue or green sheen. A distinctive large white patch on the primary flight feathers is visible, especially in flight.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalization is a soft, mournful cooing call, often described as a series of drawn-out 'coo-oo-oo' notes.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, mountain
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Kimberley region of northwestern Australia, extending into the northern parts of the Northern Territory, inhabiting rocky gorges, sandstone escarpments, and arid rocky hillsides.
Identifying Featureswhite wing patches (visible in flight), iridescent blue/green on face/neck, terrestrial habits, finely barred brown plumage
Description
The White-quilled Rock Pigeon is a medium-sized, terrestrial pigeon endemic to rocky regions of northwestern Australia. It is typically found foraging on the ground among rocks and is known for its shy demeanor and rapid, direct flight when startled.
